SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) today named newspaper industry veteran Mark Webster as president and publisher of The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, S.C. His appointment is effective immediately.

Since 2009, Webster has been the regional vice president of human resources for three McClatchy newspapers in the Carolinas, including The Sun News, The Charlotte Observer in North Carolina and The Herald in Rock Hill, S.C. In 2010, Webster was given additional oversight of information technology for all seven of McClatchy's daily newspapers in the Carolinas.

Webster, 54, has held several key management and executive roles at Knight Ridder and McClatchy newspapers over his 31-year career. He rejoins The Sun News, where he worked from 1996 to 2009, rising to vice president of human resources and operations. As president and publisher, he replaces P.J. Browning, who left the paper last month.

"Mark is a proven leader with one of the more diverse backgrounds in our industry," said Pat Talamantes, McClatchy's president and CEO. "That experience and versatility will serve Mark and The Sun News well given the pace of change in our business and the growing opportunities in a dynamic market such as Myrtle Beach."

Born and raised in Lexington, Ky., Webster began his newspaper career in 1981 with his hometown paper, the Lexington Herald-Leader.

"Mark is committed to McClatchy's news mission and knows firsthand the important role The Sun News plays in the community," said Mark Zieman, McClatchy vice president, operations, who oversees McClatchy's newspapers in the Southeast. "He'll make a terrific publisher."

Webster said he was excited to return to Myrtle Beach and The Sun News.

"This is like coming home for my family. We spent 13 wonderful years in the area and have many fond memories of our time there," Webster said. "The Sun News plays a vital role in the community for both our readers and advertisers," he continued. "While the last several years during the recession have been a challenge, we are evolving as a stronger multimedia company. The staff at The Sun News is dedicated, exceptionally talented and more than capable to see us through the transition."

About McClatchy

The McClatchy Company is a leading news and information provider, offering a wide array of print and digital products in each of the markets it serves. As the third largest newspaper company in the country, McClatchys operations include 30 daily newspapers, community newspapers, websites, mobile news and advertising, niche publications, direct marketing and direct mail services. The companys largest newspapers include The Miami Herald, The Sacramento Bee, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Kansas City Star, The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. McClatchy is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MNI.